Mr Math

1st his claim is pricing/value. He is not accounting for mileage or condition of either vehicle. This is also the same kid that doesn't think the release of the C7 have an impact on resale values of the C6 and C5.

2 z06 vs z51 discussed many times no clear winner in terms of suspension, more dependent on driver. 09 is ls3 which is more powerful than both the c5z and ls2 c6. OP also never mentioned if C6 is m6 or a6. Autocross once again would be more of driver. Not too mention OP never mentioned using car for autocrossing or heavy track use.

3 deciding on a car with newer seals and rubber is just ridiculous. One car has more mileage use on has more time. When was the last time you based your decision on a vehicle purchase on condition of rubber hoses and seals. Now if he was comparing the same year vehicle with the difference in mileage he could bring up a valid concern. Or if he was basing his assumptions on a 100k mile beat to death z06.

Mr Math

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ying-help.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-z...for-input.html

1 link from c6 section 2nd link from c5 section.

From someone that owned a 99 c5, 03 zo6 an 05, 08, 12 c6s.

After op mentioned z16 and hoping for an increase in value doubt he is looking for heavy track use or serious mods.

C5Dobie

I was in the same exact boat as you, I was looking for either a first year LS3 C6 base or Z51 as long as it had an M6 tranny vs. a low mileage 03 or 04 Z06. I have driven all of them and also came from owning bolted GTO and G8 GT - both of which are "compromise" performance cars. Which brings me to my next point, if you're not DD'ing the car, and you're using it for "fun", unless you care about taking the top off for the $$$ the C5Z all the way. It makes no compromises, and I like that about it. I don't mind the interior, the car is stiff as a board yet still absorbs bumps well. It handles like its on rails, it gets that little rock at stop lights due to the factory hot cam, it is RAW as everyone says about it and the only way to really know what that means is to go WOT from 1st through 4th back to back in a C5Z vs. a C6.

For me I have a comfy nice DD in my '14 GMC Sierra, I don't give a damn about interior niceties for my weekend warrior. I want to drive a MUSCLE CAR, a "RACE CAR" and the C6 is not that unless you start modding it, it is more a grand tourer, everything about it is more insulated/softer compared to the C5Z. The pop-up headlights is something I also like - looks sleeker/better IMO during the day when down and at night it really gives it that more nostalgic/60's muscle car look.

Also lastly, I plan on keeping the car forever, so I like the "simpler" qualities of the C5Z, less electronics/luxuries means less to go wrong over time. Whatever you do if you plan on keeping long term dont get tha mag ride shocks. FWIW I paid $24,500 for an '03 Z in excellent shape w/ 12,980 miles on it. The LS3 C6 would have been at least $30,000 and higher miles like 30,000 or so.

bud miller

Owned both,I owned a modified z16 a few yrs back(check pics on forum) sold it bought an 09 base z51, csc 1 of 52.. Enjoyed the car a lot.
Newer,in eveyway,same trans gearing sold it last yr ,bought a stock z16 with 14 k miles and I currently enjoy driving it..there both great vettes and very similar in performance good luck on your decision

mguerra

Ok, I don't know if this answers your question or not but I thought I'd share this...

I purchased a Z16 about 3 years ago (7,100 miles). The seller, whom I'm still in touch with purchased a Grand Sport Coupe. After he owned the car for a while we spoke and I asked "how do you compare your GS to your old Z." His replay was, "they are very different cars." The GS has more creature comforts, a better ride but lacks the torque and feel of the Z. He said the Z was a beast, more of a race car feel compared to the GS.

I know you're looking at an 09 but I think the a story is the same. It depends what you're looking for. Also, drive both before you buy anything.

Good luck!

envyz06

Two different cars, what are you looking for in your corvette?

quick04Z06

I have driven both and the 2004 C5Z feels much tighter and racier to me than a C6Z51. If you plan on using it as a street car, maybe even daily driver, then I would say the newer car is probably better. But, for the feel of a monster, the C5Z has it.

As far as being collectible, more 04s came in the Z16 paint scheme than in any other. They are not that rare. That said, a real low mileage, original Z16 in 10 or 15 years could be a good investment, but then you'd had to store it well and not put many miles on it. Is that what you plan to do?

2004 saw 5683 Zs built, and of those, 2025 were Z16 LeMans Blue cars. The next most common color was black at 1,186 cars.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...04z06prod.html

ThumperNC24

I think the C5Z must be overpriced if they are around the same.

The C5Z should be <$25k unless it's something really special.

They are also different cars for sure, the C5Z is a whole lot more raw.

mkiv808

Test drive both, then choose. I've had both, and they feel very different.

I'm going back to the C5Z though. That should say something.

TGO

Let me know how your long term investment works out for you

amlarson2001

Does the 09 have MRS. if so i say it has the better suspension. If it were me I would get the car that I liked more after driving both. Good luck.

TGstring

I'd go with the z16. The LS6 is a jewel of a motor. The c5z was always business.